Fiber Optic Ferrule Alignment Structure for Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The misalignment of optical components due to differing coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between materials used in fiber optic ferrules and transceivers, caused by temperature changes, affects the alignment and transmission efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic ferrule design with alignment structures that reduce the distance between alignment features and the light exit/entry location, using materials with similar CTEs to minimize dimensional changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between alignment features and light exit/entry location is increased, then alignment stability is improved, but thermal expansion impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter by moving the alignment feature (light transmission window) closer to the light exit/entry location, thereby reducing the distance D in the thermal expansion equation. This parameter change reduces the magnitude of thermal expansion effects while maintaining alignment stability through the use of low-CTE materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent directly addresses thermal expansion by selecting materials with low coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) for both the ferrule and alignment structures. By controlling the CTE values and reducing the distance between alignment features and optical interfaces, the patent minimizes dimensional changes due to temperature variations.
2Ease of manufacture
If materials with different CTEs are used for ferrule and transceiver components, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by using materials with matching or similar coefficients of thermal expansion for the ferrule body and alignment structures. This material selection strategy ensures that all components expand and contract uniformly with temperature changes, maintaining alignment precision while still allowing for manufacturing flexibility through the use of compatible material families.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances alignment stability and transmission efficiency by reducing the impact of thermal expansion, ensuring precise alignment even with temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a change in ambient temperature (ΔT) causes a change in a dimension (ΔD) of the material of the optical ferrule and/or lenses (expansion or contraction). These variables are related as: ΔD=D×(ΔT)×CTE
Implementation Method 2
a light transmission window through which light passes, the light transmission window being disposed within the first portion of the alignment structure
Data Source
AI summary
A new fiber optic ferrule has an alignment structure on a surface through which light passes. The alignment structure is preferably in the shape of a dog bone, allowing the alignment structure to align the fiber optic ferrule in a receptacle while reducing the influence of temperature on the alignment.